ALATEEN
Is part of the Al-Anon fellowship, designed for young relatives and friends of alcoholics. They may remain active Alateen members while they are 18 years old. Once they turn 19 they may no longer attend Alateen meetings but are encouraged to become a member of the Al-Anon fellowship.
Members conduct their own meetings with the guidance of an Al-Anon sponsor.
Alateen follows the same Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and principles as Al-Anon.
Alateen is a fellowship of young Al-Anon members, usually teenagers, whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. Alateen groups are sponsored by Al-Anon members who help the group to stay on track. Alateens come together to:
Share experiences, strength, and hope with each other
Discuss difficulties
Learn effective ways to cope with problems
Encourage one another
Help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program
Get Connected with Teen Corner
A place just for teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism
Get Answers to your questions
Find out what other Alateens talk about
There is Hope
One day at a time
No matter how difficult our situation, we can build a better life for ourselves by remembering to reach out for recovery. Just keep these points in mind:
Alateen has helped many others. None of us is alone—many other teenagers have gone through the same problems that we have.
Alcoholism affects the person who drinks and those who are close to the problem drinker.
Learning the facts about alcoholism can make it easier to accept it as a disease.
Another person’s addiction to alcohol is no reflection on us. Remember that we didn’t cause it, and cannot control or cure it.
We are not responsible for the alcoholic’s behavior.
It helps to talk things over with someone we trust.
Being patient with ourselves and our families is important. Alcoholism has affected us and our families for a long time, and it may take a long time to recover.
Try to improve, “One Day at a Time.”
Attend Alateen, Al‑Anon, and open A.A. meetings.
Study the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. They are an important part of the Alateen program.